Wednesday, 12 November 2014

I was only going to have a quick morning coffee with a friend.But then I thought while I was in the area I would go to West Elm. The American store opened less than a year ago and I hadn't had the chance to check out their furniture. I got their catalog and wanted to see a mid century bar cart with brass legs in person.

I wanted to buy the cardboard white decorations but they weren't for sale. Why is it that half the time I just want what isn't for sale in the stores?

The scale of all the items were so big and definitely for American homes as the bar cart was the size of some European dining tables.We then went next door to Heal's and saw this dog bone bench.The colorful seating for childern next to it was nice and thought it might make nice chairs for parties but it didn't carry a child like price tag.

Managed to leave the stores without a purchase and decided that we were hungry and headed to Soho through Bedford Square which at one stage was a new build housing development over a hundred years ago of course.

After lunch we decided to have another quick coffee and general chit chat about life while people watchingat the outside table at the legendary Bar Italia which was made easier with overhead outdoor heating.

The shot of caffeine would have been wasted going home so we decided to head to the Moroni exhibition at the Royal Academy but en route decided to check out the latest addition to the Firmdale group of hotels - the Ham Yard Hotel.

If you haven't been - run don't walk.

As with most hotels of this group they tend to have a comfy library area with an honesty bar.

The owner of the hotel group Kit Kemp is also an interior designer so she always add her own touch to the decor. The ikat lamp shade for the library ladder floor lamp is fun.

Saturday, 8 November 2014

I wanted to share with you another important garden in Kyoto that has had not only a big influence in Japan but also in the west.

In Asian terms, the garden is rather new having only been established in the mid 1600's.

Bamboo fencing is an art form in Kyoto and different knots and designs are almost like crests that belong to a certain shrine or temple.

The garden that was visited by many foreign travelers and explorers that is often referred to in historical garden texts is the gardens of theKatsura Imperial Villa.

I started the tour from the beginning which is at the outside of the
entrance.The planting of the tree at the center is a way of being coy and not allowing the person to see the garden from one vantage point.

This garden is purely a stroll garden with the obligatory areas to enjoy tea but has no religious overtones and is simply an example of an aristocratic style in Japanese gardening.

This is one of the rare straight paths which is often avoided in Asian gardens because it doesn't engage the mind while walking but on an esoteric level it allows bad energy to travel easier.

Each stone was placed with purpose on this path.

The path leading to the tea house with the central vantage point.

Little islets with bridges leading to these mounds of earth has the most delightful effect.Bridges symbolize connection and harmony.

What I love most about Japanese gardens is that a few steps along the path make all the difference to your view and perspective.

I was able to see a few more buildings on the other side of the lake once I passed the islets.

Standing in front of the tea house looking out at the view and then looking in.